Ward will have surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb and cartilage damage in his left knee.

He has been playing with both injuries nearly all season. Ward has had problems with his left knee since training camp and suffered the torn thumb ligament in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. Ward plans on returning to the Steelers for his 14th season.

Sanders will have surgery to repair his broken foot.

Steeler players will need to have surgery before the March 3 expiration date of the collective bargaining agreement. If the owners lock out the players, they will not be covered by the leagues’ health insurance and will have to pay for surgery out of their own pocket.

If the players are locked out by the owners, they can not rehab at the team’s facility or speak to any team employees.